Vision

The Bay Area Photographers Collective is grounded in the belief that there is a need for an institution devoted to the development of a photographic community and its concerns. The Collective provides a home base for Bay Area photographers devoted to their art.

The Collective promotes and encourages independence, experimentation, cooperation, and creativity. It sustains a community of photographic artists through support, spiritual sustenance, encouragement, and constructive critique. It pursues the exhibition of members’ work on a professional level.

The Collective is a nonprofit, cooperative organization that is wholly supported by its members, and does not rely on outside funding for its existence or day-to-day operations.

History

In January 1999, a group of San Francisco Bay Area photographers, inspired and led by documentary photographer and teacher Frank Espada (1930-2014), met to create a community of photographic artists.

Our first group exhibit took place October 1999 as part of San Francisco Open Studios, followed by four other group shows in 1999, 2000, and 2001. In April 2001, BAPC attained federal tax-exempt status.

Currently, we comprise between 20-30 photographers, working in all aspects of the photographic arts.

Organizational Activities

Each member of the Collective takes an active role in one of its committees. Every other month, the organization holds a general meeting to discuss collective business and to update all members on committee developments.

Executive

Responsible for assuring the smooth operation of the organization.

Membership

Acts as a contact for potential new members and guides the membership process.

Publications & Publicity

Manages how the group communicates with other organizations, sponsors and media. They publicize group events and exhibits and maintains web and social media channels.

Programs

Exhibitions

Seeks exhibition opportunities, organizes, and mounts shows.

Member Activities

Peer reviews

Each month, members may present work for reactions and suggestions from the group.

Exhibits

The Collective mounts one to three group shows each year. Venues have included Rayko Photo Center, the Commonwealth Club of California, Mina Dresden Gallery, The Berkeley Arts Center and San Francisco City Hall.

Publications

Past Exhibits

BAPC’s first group show took place August 2000 at the Commonwealth Club of California in San Francisco. Since then, we have staged group exhibits once or twice a year.

We are a nonprofit organization committed to building a community of photographers. Our work ranges from fine art to documentary, color to black and white, traditional darkroom to digital imaging. We nurture each other’s professional and artistic growth through member activities such as artist talks, portfolio reviews, workshops, salons, and exhibitions.